How to Knit a Mock Cable Pattern

Written by ehow hobbies, games & toys editor

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There's no single right way to make a mock cable. It's a technique that gives the illusion of a cable but doesn't involve crossing stitches. You don't need to use a cable needle. You also don't have to worry about pulling your stitches too tightly or not tightly enough. Here's a pattern that produces what looks like a three-stitch cable using just knit and purl stitches.

Skill level:

Moderate

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Things you need

1 ball of yarn

Knitting needles

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Instructions

1

Go for a light colored yarn that will show off your mock cables. Sport, double-knit (DK) or worsted weight is easier to handle when practicing since you'll be shifting between knit and purl stitches often.

2

Choose the needle size suggested on the ball band. Gauge isn't crucial for your practice swatch, but be sure to check it when knitting a garment. Mock cables are perfect for pullovers, cardigans, hats and socks.

3

Cast on 32 stitches for your swatch. This mock cable pattern works on a pattern repeat of eight stitches, so keep this in mind when planning for larger pieces.

4

Begin on a right-sided row by repeating the following pattern: knit 3, purl 2, knit 3.

5

Pay attention to the shape of the stitch on all wrong-sided (even) rows. You must knit the knit stitches and purl the purled stitches. In other words, purl the stitch when you see a bar in front of it.